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Pediatric vs. Pediatrics — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 27, 2024
Pediatric refers to the branch of medicine dealing with children and their diseases, while Pediatrics is the medical specialty itself.
Pediatric vs. Pediatrics — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Pediatric and Pediatrics

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Key Differences

Pediatric is an adjective used to describe anything pertaining to pediatrics, such as pediatric care, which focuses on treating children. It emphasizes the aspect of medicine that deals with the health and medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. On the other hand, Pediatrics is a noun that refers to the branch of medicine itself, concerned with the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. It denotes the medical science or practice that specializes in this age group.
While pediatric serves to modify nouns, indicating a relation to the care of children, such as in "pediatric nurse" or "pediatric department," Pediatrics is used to talk about the field or specialty as a whole. For example, someone might say, "I specialize in pediatrics," meaning they are a medical professional specialized in treating children. In contrast, "pediatric surgery" refers to surgeries performed on children, indicating the specific area within the broader field of pediatrics.
Pediatric often precedes terms related to medical practice, treatments, or healthcare environments that are specifically designed or adapted for children. This includes pediatric clinics, pediatric medication, and pediatric oncology, among others. These terms all denote specialization in aspects of healthcare specifically for the pediatric population. Meanwhile, pediatrics encompasses all aspects of medical care and study related to children, from preventive health measures to treatment of diseases.
The distinction also extends to professionals working within the field. A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in pediatrics, providing comprehensive medical care to children. This term highlights the specialization within the medical profession, focusing on pediatric health issues, development, and diseases. However, the field of pediatrics itself is supported by a wide range of professionals, including nurses, therapists, and other healthcare providers, all working towards the health and well-being of children.
Despite the differences in usage, both pediatric and pediatrics are integral to the healthcare and medical treatment of the younger population. They emphasize the importance of specialized care and attention required to address the unique health needs of children, from infancy through adolescence.
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Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Adjective
Noun

Definition

Pertaining to the medical care of children
The branch of medicine that deals with children

Usage Examples

Pediatric surgery, pediatric nurse
A specialist in pediatrics

Focus

Describes medical practices and treatments for children
The medical specialty concerned with children

Application

Used to modify nouns related to child healthcare
Refers to the medical field itself

Compare with Definitions

Pediatric

Focused on treating children.
Pediatric dentistry emphasizes early prevention and education.

Pediatrics

Branch of medicine.
She chose pediatrics because she loves working with children.

Pediatric

Pertaining to young patients.
Pediatric care includes both physical and emotional support.

Pediatrics

Medical specialty for children.
Pediatrics covers health care for infants through teenagers.

Pediatric

Related to children's medicine.
Pediatric patients often require different dosages of medication.

Pediatrics

Study of children's diseases.
Pediatrics involves research into childhood illnesses and their treatments.

Pediatric

Specializing in children's healthcare.
The pediatric department is on the third floor.

Pediatrics

Field of medical science.
Advances in pediatrics have dramatically improved child health outcomes.

Pediatric

Concerned with children's diseases.
Pediatric oncology deals with cancer in children.

Pediatrics

Professional practice.
His pediatrics practice is known for its patient-centered approach.

Pediatric

The branch of medicine that deals with the care and treatment of infants, children, and adolescents.

Pediatrics

Paediatrics (also spelled pediatrics or pædiatrics) is the branch of medicine that involves the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends people seek pediatric care through the age of 21.

Pediatric

(American spelling) Of or pertaining to pediatrics, the branch of medicine dealing with the care and treatment of children.
The hospital has established a pediatric intensive care unit.

Pediatrics

The branch of medicine that deals with the care and treatment of infants, children, and adolescents.

Pediatric

Pertaining to the care and medical treatment of children.

Pediatrics

The branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of children and adolescents.

Pediatric

Of or relating to the medical care of children;
Pediatric dentist

Pediatrics

That branch of medical science which treats of the hygiene and diseases of infants and children.

Pediatrics

The branch of medicine concerned with the treatment of infants and children

Common Curiosities

What is pediatric care?

Pediatric care refers to healthcare specifically designed and implemented for children, from infancy through adolescence.

Who practices pediatrics?

Pediatrics is practiced by pediatricians, medical doctors specialized in the health and diseases of children.

Why is a specialization in pediatrics necessary?

Children have unique health needs and developmental considerations, requiring specialized knowledge and care.

What is a pediatric nurse?

A pediatric nurse is a nursing professional who specializes in caring for children in various healthcare settings.

How is pediatric medication dosed?

Pediatric medication dosing is carefully calculated based on a child's weight, age, and the specific condition being treated.

Can pediatric treatments differ from adult treatments?

Yes, pediatric treatments are often tailored to the specific developmental needs and conditions of children.

How does pediatric healthcare address prevention?

Pediatric healthcare emphasizes preventive measures, including vaccinations and regular health check-ups, to ensure healthy development.

What role do pediatricians play in child development?

Pediatricians monitor and support the physical, emotional, and social development of children, offering guidance on nutrition, behavior, and general wellness.

What is the difference between a pediatrician and a family doctor?

A pediatrician specializes in the care of children, while a family doctor provides care for patients of all ages, offering a broader scope of practice.

Can elders see pediatricians?

Generally, pediatricians specialize in the care of children and adolescents, and elders would see physicians specialized in elders medicine.

How do pediatricians contribute to public health?

Pediatricians play a crucial role in public health through preventive care, vaccinations, and education on healthy lifestyles for children and their families.

Why are pediatric clinics important?

Pediatric clinics provide a child-friendly environment where specialized pediatric care is offered, addressing the unique healthcare needs of children.

What kinds of diseases do pediatrics cover?

Pediatrics covers a wide range of diseases and conditions from infancy through adolescence, including congenital disorders, infectious diseases, and developmental issues.

What is pediatric surgery?

Pediatric surgery is a surgical specialty focusing on operations required for children, often involving congenital, developmental, or traumatic conditions.

How do advancements in pediatrics impact child health?

Advancements in pediatrics, through research and innovation, lead to better diagnostic tools, treatments, and preventive measures, improving overall child health outcomes.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat

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